Justice News

Nitro man pleads guilty to enticement of a minor

Defendant faces 12 years in federal prison

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man pleaded guilty today to a federal sex crime involving a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Anthony Levitt, 38, entered his guilty plea for using an app on his cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Levitt admitted that from June 2015 through July 2015, he used a cell phone to send sexually explicit messages to persuade and induce a 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity.

Levitt faces a mandatory prison sentence of 12 years, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Levitt will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2016.

“This case sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit and abuse minors,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold sexual predators accountable.”

The Nitro Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This prosecution is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.